Published April 4, 2024
Spring Programs and Upcoming Events at RiverScape MetroPark
Have an appetite for adventure? RiverScape MetroPark has you covered! From biking to paddling, from fitness to food, there’s something fun for everyone. So, gear up for a good time and bring your friends and family for some summer adventures.
Adopt-A-Park Reminder
Celebrate Earth Day with MetroParks at the annual Adopt-A-Park event on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Spend the morning volunteering at RiverScape MetroPark or other MetroParks across Montgomery County. Volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds will tackle dozens of projects in different natural areas. Projects will include invasive species removal, habitat maintenance, gardening activities, mulching nature play areas, historical farm clean up and more. These projects will improve the environment and beautify the region’s natural areas.
Volunteers will be provided with project supplies and gloves. Participants should bring a reusable water bottle and wear weather-appropriate clothing. All participants will receive a light snack and a small gift of appreciation for volunteering.
Groups are encouraged to register online early to ensure space at available sites. A limited number of Adopt-A-Park Service Kits – pre-assembled kits for participants to safely clean greenspaces on their own time – will be offered to groups of volunteers who wish to take on their own local litter removal projects. Learn more and request a kit here.
National Bike to Work Day
Join us on Friday, May 17, from 7 to 9 a.m. Leave your car at home and dust off your bike seats before riding to RiverScape MetroPark. Treat yourself to a delicious, free pancake breakfast with coffee, live music and an array of cycling exhibitor booths and activities. No registration required.
RiverScape MetroPark is at the heart of Miami Valley Trails, the nation’s largest paved trail network. Whether you are looking for a casual ride with the family, or an all-day adventure, RiverScape MetroPark makes a great starting point. Enjoy amenities like bike tools, bike racks and maps. Plus, easily find a path to many of your favorite Dayton landmarks – including other MetroParks such as Wegerzyn Gardens or Eastwood MetroPark. To plan your route, visit the Miami Valley Trails website or join the Five Rivers MetroParks Trails Challenge by downloading the OuterSpatial app.
National Bike to Work Day is presented by Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
Passport to MetroParks
Bring your friends and family to this summer kick-off event at RiverScape MetroPark on Friday, May 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests will receive a free passport and a chance to earn stamps for each activity they complete. Those who earn one stamp in each of five categories (conservation, cultural festivals, education, engagement and recreation) will be entered to win prizes. Throughout the event, guests can enjoy live music from The Luv Locz Experiment, food trucks, music bingo, dozens of family activities, games and more!
Some featured activities include:
- Meeting MetroParks’ rangers and live animal ambassadors.
- Scaling the climbing wall.
- Asking MetroParks staff and volunteer experts questions about nature, recreation activities and more.
- Learning about all of Five Rivers MetroParks’ upcoming programs.
- Getting a sneak peek at some of Dayton’s largest cultural festivals with representatives from the Dayton Celtic Festival, Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Dayton African American Cultural Festival.
- Paddle on the river by renting a kayak from Taiters Kayak Solutions. Rentals begin at $12 and are available for beginning or advanced paddlers ages 14 and up.
Passport to MetroParks is presented by Huffy with additional support from CODE Credit Union.
Passport to MetroParks kicks off Memorial Day weekend. Also beginning Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day, the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights will be available for everyone to enjoy! The Fountain of Lights operates daily in 10-minute intervals at the top of the hour (Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). The interactive fountains will also be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.
Weeknights for the Win
TUESDAY NIGHTS IN THE PARK
Make your Tuesday nights extra fun with the new activities offered at RiverScape MetroPark. Participate in a cornhole tournament, play a round of music bingo or relax by the river with a live solo musician – all while enjoying dinner and drinks from the RiverScape Café!
Tuesday Night Lineup (7 to 9 p.m.)
- June 4: Cornhole Tournament
- June 11: Live Music with Brenna Geyer
- June 18: Music Bingo
- June 25: Live Music with Marianne Kesler
- July 2: Cornhole Tournament
- July 9: Live Music
- July 16: Music Bingo
- July 23: Live Music with Danny Voris
- July 30: Live Music with Marianne Kesler
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
Live music returns to RiverScape MetroPark this year with a variety of exciting Thursday and Friday night concerts as part of our free Summer Music Series.
Thursday Night Lineup (7 to 9 p.m.)
- June 13: The Tom Daugherty Orchestra (Big Band)
- June 27: Father Son and Friends (Celtic Folk Music)
- July 11: The Ark Band (Reggae)
- July 18: The Dayton Jazz Orchestra (Big Band)
- August 8: Ludlow Creek (Rock/Americana)
- August 15: Central Jazz Big Band (Big Band)
- August 29: Big Gil & His Funky All-Stars (Funk, R&B)
Friday Night Lineup (7 to 9 p.m.)
- June 21: Authorized Personnel (Soul, R&B)
- August 23: Retrobution (80’s)
Sponsored by The Jack W. & Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation and Enterprise Roofing.
FIRST FRIDAYS
The beginning of every month starts with a bang in downtown Dayton. First Friday is a free event held across several locations throughout downtown. RiverScape MetroPark will be hosting a variety of concerts to liven up your summer. Bring your friends and family for a night filled with music, lawn games, a food truck, and an all-new menu and drinks from the RiverScape Café.
First Friday Lineup (6 to 9 p.m.)
- June 7: 90’s Night featuring The Wet Bandits
- July 5: 60’s Rock Night featuring The British Invasion
- August 2: Pickin’ in the Park featuring Whiskey Bent Valley Boys and My Brother’s Keeper
NEW CAFE MENU
The RiverScape Café is getting a bit more spirited this summer as it adds a selection of beer, wine and select mixed drinks to the menu. Enjoy a refreshing drink and hot food from our upgraded menu during extended Thursday hours. Alcoholic drinks are sold as part of Downtown Dayton’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) program to guests 21 and over.
The RiverScape Café will open with our new food and drink menu on April 25. The hours will be:
- April 25 – May 30: 5 to 8 p.m. (Thursdays only)
- June 4 – August 31: 5 to 9 p.m. (Tuesday through Saturday)
- September 3 – October 24: 5 to 9 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays only)
Fitness and Fun
Fitness favorites and some new options are back this summer to get you active outdoors! There is sure to be something for everyone, regardless of ability or comfort level. To view a full list of our Fitness in the Park and Community Fitness offerings, please visit our website or Facebook page. All classes are free and no registration is required.
FITNESS IN THE PARK
Free Saturday morning fitness classes starting at 10 a.m.
- May 11: Yoga in the Park with Tori Reynolds from Speakeasy Yoga
- May 18: Zumba in the Park with Meghan Millat
- June 1: Yoga in the Park with Tori Reynolds from Speakeasy Yoga
- June 8: Zumba in the Park with Meghan Millat
- June 29: Zumba in the Park with Meghan Millat
- July 6: Yoga in the Park with Tori Reynolds from Speakeasy Yoga
- July 13: Zumba in the Park with Meghan Millat
- July 20: Yoga in the Park with Tori Reynolds from Speakeasy Yoga
Presented by Kettering Health and sponsored by McGohan Brabender
COMMUNITY FITNESS
Free fitness classes on most weeknights from May through July starting at 6 p.m. Please visit our website for specific dates.
- Mondays and Wednesdays – 6 to 7:30 p.m.: “Bootcamp” with The Unit
- Mondays – 6 to 7 p.m.: “BootyMix” with BootyMix Fitness
- Tuesdays – 6 to 7 p.m.: “Tai Chi & Qigong at the River” with Immortal Tree Qigong
- Wednesdays – 6 to 7 p.m.: “Stay Fit with DCDC” with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
